Our Constitution

Introduction

The Chelmsford Afghan Community was established in the year 2026 with the aim of fostering solidarity, cooperation, mutual support, and community service among Afghans residing in Chelmsford. This community is a social, cultural, religious, and non-profit entity dedicated to strengthening an environment of respect, empathy, unity, brotherhood, and healthy cooperation among members of the Afghan community.

It strives to provide effective, organised, and transparent services within the framework of United Kingdom laws and Islamic, cultural, and social values. The Chelmsford Afghan Community is committed to conducting all its activities based on honesty, transparency, accountability, justice, mutual respect, empathy, and safeguarding the dignity and honour of its members and their families. We deliver all our services with compassion, respect, and utmost care for the dignity of families. In times of hardships, social difficulties, or the passing of members, we stand by the families and offer our full support.

The primary objectives of the community are as follows:

• Strengthening unity, solidarity, and cooperation among Afghans.
• Preserving Islamic, cultural, and social values.
• Cooperating in religious, cultural, and social affairs.
• Creating a healthy environment for the participation and collaboration of families.
• Collaborating in charitable, cultural, and social activities with the consent of the members.
• Providing assistance during natural disasters and emergency situations within the community's resources and members' agreement.
• Offering support and cooperation during difficult circumstances, accidents, and the passing of members.
• Assisting with the transportation of the deceased, burial arrangements, funeral services (Fateha), and other related matters.
• Providing financial and practical support in the event of a member's death within the United Kingdom or in other countries.
• Offering guidance and coordination with relevant institutions and authorities during bereavement.
• Providing essential items and direct financial aid during a funeral/bereavement period.

Chapter 1 — Objectives, Principles, and Values of the Community

Article 1: Establishment of the Community

The Chelmsford Afghan Community has been established in the year 2026 to foster cooperation, solidarity, mutual support, and social services among Afghans residing in Essex.

Article 2: Objectives of the Community

The primary objectives of the community are as follows:

• Strengthening unity and solidarity among Afghans.
• Preserving Islamic, cultural, and social values.
• Cooperating in cultural, social, and religious affairs.
• Supporting members during difficult circumstances and unforeseen emergencies.
• Encouraging a spirit of cooperation, mutual respect, and social responsibility.
• Creating a healthy environment for the participation and collaboration of families.
• Providing assistance and coordination during emergencies, particularly in the event of the death of members or their family members.
• Assisting with funeral arrangements, transportation of the deceased, burial, and memorial services (Fateha).
• Coordinating with relevant authorities and institutions at the time of a member's passing.
• Providing direct financial assistance and securing essential items during bereavement.
• Collaborating in charitable, cultural, and social activities with the voluntary consent of the members.

Article 3: Fundamental Principles of the Community

The activities of the community are founded upon the following principles:

• Observing and preserving Islamic, cultural, and social values.
• Complying with the laws of the United Kingdom.
• Upholding justice and non-discrimination.
• Promoting social unity and cooperation.
• Ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Fostering mutual respect and empathy.
• Safeguarding the honour and dignity of families.
• Providing honest and responsible services to members.

Article 4: Non-Discrimination

The community shall treat all members equally and justly, without regard to ethnicity, language, region, political party, faction, group, geographical background, or social and political affiliation.

Article 5: Compliance with Laws

The community is obligated to comply with the rulings of Islamic Sharia, the laws of the United Kingdom, and this Constitution. It shall not engage or intervene in any illegal, political, partisan, factional, or regional activities. Furthermore, the community does not assume any liability or responsibility for the personal, criminal, or unlawful actions of its individual members.

Article 6: Scope of Activity

The scope of activity of the community shall extend across the entirety of Essex; however, the headquarters, educational activities, official programmes, and, if feasible, the purchasing of property or establishment of educational courses, shall be centralised in the City of Chelmsford.

Article 7: Activities of the Community

The community may engage in activities within the following sectors:

• Religious and educational programmes.
• Cultural and social affairs.
• Cooperation during disasters and emergency conditions.
• Social solidarity programmes.
• Financial support and coordination in the event of the death of members or their covered family members.
• Assisting with the transportation of the deceased, burial, and conducting funeral services (Fateha).
• Cooperation and coordination with relevant authorities during bereavement.
• Providing essential items and direct financial aid during a funeral/bereavement period.
• Charitable and social collaborations with the consent of members and within the scope of the community's resources.

Chapter 2 — Membership, Conditions, and Responsibilities of Members

Article 8: Conditions of Membership

All Afghans legally residing in Essex may become members of the community, provided that they:

• Accept the provisions of this Constitution.
• Complete and sign the membership form.
• Pay the membership fee.
• Establish a bank standing order instruction.

Article 9: Introduction of a New Member

A new member must be introduced by at least one active member of the community.

Article 10: Membership Fee and Monthly Dues

1. The initial membership fee for families is £100, and the monthly dues are £20.
2. The initial membership fee for single individuals is £50, and the monthly dues are £10.
3. All payments must be processed via the community's bank account, and cash payments are strictly unacceptable.

Article 11: Payment Method for New Members

Any new member joining the community during the course of a month is obligated to pay the membership fee and the corresponding dues for that specific month in accordance with community regulations. For families, the initial membership fee combined with that month's dues total £120, and for single members, the total is £60. New members are obligated to establish their bank standing order instruction starting from the first day of each subsequent month.

Article 12: Transfer of Membership

In the event of the death of the primary family member, the membership may be transferred to the spouse, one of the children, or eligible family members without re-paying the initial membership fee.

Article 13: Non-Payment of Dues

If a member fails to pay their dues for three consecutive months without a justifiable excuse, or delays the monthly dues payment for a period of three months, their membership shall be revoked. To reinstate membership, they must complete a new membership form and pay the initial membership fee and dues again.

Article 14: Change of Members' Status

Single members are obligated to obtain a family membership upon marriage and adjust their monthly dues in accordance with the family membership regulations.

Article 15: Residency Outside the United Kingdom

Members of the community may reside outside the United Kingdom for up to three months, provided they pay their monthly dues on time. Should the primary family member reside outside the United Kingdom for an indefinite period but continues to pay their monthly dues regularly, their membership shall remain active. In this case, if their family resides within the covered area of the community, they shall receive comprehensive support from the community.

Article 16: Permanent Departure from the United Kingdom

In the event of a member's permanent departure from the United Kingdom, they shall no longer be eligible for financial support from the community.

Article 17: Acceptance of the Constitutional Provisions

This Constitution is compiled and designed across 14 pages, the final page of which consists of the registration and membership form for the community. Completing and signing the membership form signifies reading, accepting, and fully committing to adhere to all articles, regulations, principles, and values of the community.

Chapter 3 — Rights, Privileges, and Specifications of the Covered Family

Article 18: Rights of Members

All active members of the community are entitled to utilise the services, privileges, and support of the community in accordance with the regulations of this Constitution.

Article 19: Definition of the Covered Family

The following individuals shall be included under the community's support, provided they reside at the same address and under the guardianship of the primary member:

• Spouse
• Unmarried children
• Parents
• Unmarried brothers and sisters
• Unmarried nieces and nephews

Article 20: Conditions for Relatives of the Primary Member

Relatives of the primary member, whether single or married, who reside at a separate address, shall not benefit from the services and financial support of the community, unless they hold independent membership in the community and pay their monthly dues on a regular basis.

Article 21: Conditions for Married Individuals

Daughters, sons, or any person living under the coverage of a member family must obtain independent community membership after marriage (Nikah or wedding) to receive community support. Following marriage, regardless of whether they live at the same address as their parents or separately, these individuals can no longer utilise the financial support, services, and privileges of the community through their parents' membership. Otherwise, in the event of the death of any such married individual, the community shall bear no responsibility for financial support or assistance.

Article 22: Parents of the Member

If the father or mother of a community member residing in the United Kingdom passes away, they shall be eligible for community support only if they were under the direct guardianship and responsibility of the member and resided with them at a shared address. In this scenario, the father and mother are considered part of the member's family.

Article 23: Termination of Membership

In the event of stopping monthly dues payments or withdrawing from membership, previously paid amounts are non-refundable.

Article 24: Transfer of Membership After Death

If the primary member of the community (the head of the family) passes away, their family shall be exempt from paying monthly dues for a period of six months, during which they may utilise the services and assistance of the community. After the conclusion of the six months, if the family of the deceased wishes to continue their membership and utilise community services, the membership must be transferred to the name of one of the family members, and monthly dues payments must resume. In this case, there will be no requirement to re-pay the initial membership fee or registration fee.

Chapter 4 — Services, Cooperations, and Support of the Community

Article 25: Cooperation in Emergencies

The community provides cooperation during natural disasters, social difficulties, and emergency conditions, subject to the consent of the members and within the limits of its resources.

Article 26: Cooperation in Natural Disasters

In the event of earthquakes, floods, or other disasters, the community may cooperate and provide aid with the consent of the members and based on available resources. The expenditures for this aid shall not be drawn from the core budget of the community; rather, they shall be funded through the personal contributions and voluntary donations of the members.

Article 27: Support in Bereavement Cases

In the event of the death of a community member or a member of their covered family, the community shall cooperate and provide financial support for coordination, transportation of the deceased, burial, funeral services (Fateha), and other necessary matters.

Article 28: Specification of the Funeral/Memorial Day

The day of the funeral services (Fateha) shall be specified by the family of the deceased, and all its expenditures, with the exception of food, shall be paid by the community.

Article 29: Burial within the United Kingdom

If a member of the community or a member of their family passes away in any country except Afghanistan, and the family requests the body to be buried within the United Kingdom, all expenses from the commencement of the funeral proceedings until burial shall be paid by the community. These expenses encompass hospital charges, transportation of the deceased, cemetery fees, burial costs, and other related necessary expenditures.

Article 30: Transportation of the Deceased from the UK or Other Countries to Afghanistan

In the event that a member of the community or a member of their family passes away in the United Kingdom or another country, and the family of the deceased wishes to transport the body to Afghanistan, all related expenses shall be paid by the community. These expenses include the following items:

• Expenses for transporting the deceased to Afghanistan.
• Round-trip flight tickets for two persons to accompany and transport the body (whether the two persons are designated by the community or by the family of the deceased).
• Accommodation expenses as required.
• Food for the accompanying individuals.
• Other necessary expenses related to the transportation of the body.
• A cash assistance amount of £1,500 for burial expenses in Afghanistan.

Article 31: Delay in the Transportation of the Deceased

If a member of the community passes away and the family wishes to transport the body to Afghanistan, but delays occur due to reasons such as completing documentation, flight difficulties, or other barriers, all related expenses from the time of death until the transportation of the body shall be paid by the community. Additionally, the cash assistance amount of £1,500 shall be paid for burial expenses in Afghanistan.

Article 32: Death in Afghanistan

If a member of the community or a member of their family passes away within Afghanistan, the community shall not transport the body back to the United Kingdom. Instead, based on the specified rate for funeral expenses in the United Kingdom (the rate of that specific day), the community shall provide an equivalent amount in cash as aid to the family of the deceased.

Article 33: Cash Payment of Expenses

If a member of the community or a member of their family passes away and the family wishes to receive all related expenses in cash, then all expenses from the hospital to the cemetery and the funeral service expenditures shall be paid in cash to that family. This amount shall be calculated based on the specified rate for funeral expenses in the United Kingdom (the rate of that specific day) and transferred to the account of the deceased's family.

Article 34: Cooperation of Members

Members of the community shall cooperate during the holding of funeral proceedings, memorial services (Fateha), and other social programmes to the best of their capacity and resources.

Article 35: Responsibility for Catering and Cooperation during Services

On the day of the funeral and memorial services, it is the responsibility of all community members to provide food, transportation, and overnight accommodation for all attending guests after the conclusion of the funeral and memorial proceedings.

Article 36: Use of Vehicles

During funeral proceedings, the vehicles of the leadership team members shall be utilised exclusively to serve the members of the community.

Article 37: Bereavement Occurring Prior to the Full Accumulation of the Community Budget

If a death occurs before sufficient funds have accumulated in the community account, all expenses shall be covered equally and compulsorily from the personal resources of the community members. This contribution shall be treated as charity (Sadakah) and is non-refundable.

Chapter 5 — Financial Affairs and Bank Account

Article 38: Bank Account of the Community

All revenues and expenditures of the community must be processed through the official bank account of the community, and cash payments or cash expenses are unacceptable. The details of the community's bank account are as follows:

Article 39: Use of the Bank Account

The bank account of the community shall be used solely for the following cases:

• Collecting membership fees, dues, Qard al-Hasan (interest-free loans), and other contributions.
• Paying expenses related to community services.
• Approved expenditures of the community.
• Disbursements for emergency and social aid.

Article 40: Authorised Signatories/Managers of the Bank Account

Four elected members of the community (the President, Vice-President, Financial Officer, and a fourth individual) shall have access to the community bank account and are responsible for managing, overseeing, and safeguarding the community's bank account.

Article 41: Qard al-Hasan and Contributions

For the purpose of cooperating during unforeseen disasters and addressing urgent needs, members present at a meeting may voluntarily provide sums of money to the community as Qard al-Hasan (interest-free loans). These amounts shall remain at the disposal of the community without a specified time limit, and any person may retrieve their principal amount whenever they wish.

Article 42: Financial Transparency

The leadership team is obligated to transparently record and maintain all expenditures and revenues of the community, and shall present a report thereof to the members whenever necessary.

Article 43: Economy in Expenditures

Members of the leadership team must exercise financial economy during travel and the spending of community funds, particularly regarding accommodation in other countries, purchasing flight tickets, meals, and other related costs.

Chapter 6 — Administrative Structure and Leadership Team

Article 44: Leadership Team

The community shall possess a leadership team responsible for managing the administrative, financial, and executive affairs of the community.

Article 45: Holding Meetings

• A general assembly meeting shall be held for community members at least once a year.
• A leadership team meeting shall be held at least once every three months to ensure the effectiveness of activities.
• If the leadership team is unable to resolve an issue, the matter shall be referred to the general assembly, and the decision of the majority shall be acceptable.

Article 46: Responsibility of Leadership Members

All members of the leadership team are considered guardians of the articles of this Constitution, its values, and the objectives of the community.

Article 47: Alteration of Constitutional Articles

Should there be a need for any change, amendment, or modification in the articles of this Constitution, such action shall be executed through consultation and in the presence of the leadership team members, subject to approval by the general assembly.

Any proposed amendment must first be communicated to all members of the community and made available for review and discussion. Following a period of open consultation, the proposed amendment shall be put to a vote at a general assembly meeting. Only amendments that receive approval by a majority vote of the members present shall be adopted. Once adopted, any such amendment shall become a binding part of this Constitution and shall be incumbent upon all existing members and upon every new member joining thereafter. By completing and signing the membership form, every member — past and present — commits to accepting any future amendments that are approved through this democratic process.

Article 48: Equal Application of Constitutional Articles

All articles of this community Constitution apply equally to all members of the community, and no member is exempt from the enforcement of these rules.

Chapter 7 — Elections, Appointment, and Dismissal of Officers

Article 49: Election of Leadership Team Members

• Members of the community leadership team shall be elected through a free and transparent vote at the general assembly of members for a duration of one year. However, the four authorised managers for the bank account — encompassing the President, Vice-President, Financial Officer, and one other individual — shall be selected at the general assembly based on a draw (lottery).
• Upon the conclusion of the one-year term, new elections shall be held, and new individuals will be elected.
• The President and Vice-President cannot nominate themselves for a consecutive second year after completing their one-year service, but they may do so for subsequent terms.

Article 50: Candidacy Conditions for Leadership Team Members

Individuals may be nominated or elected to these positions provided they fulfil the following conditions:

• Non-affiliation with political groups or parties inside or outside the country.
• Possession of good competence and character within the community, and freedom from addiction to drugs and alcohol.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Proficiency in three languages (Farsi, Pashto, and English), at minimum being able to speak them; possessing higher education is preferred.
• Commitment and accountability in fulfilling the responsibilities of the community.

Article 51: Dismissal of Officers

In the event that the President, Vice-President, or any member of the leadership team commits one of the following violations, they can be dismissed at any time by a majority decision of the community members following three warnings:

• Failing to consider the articles of the Constitution during the execution of affairs, particularly violating internal regulations and code of conduct principles.
• Embezzlement, personal use of community funds, or breach of trust regarding held assets.

Article 52: Introduction of New Candidates and Review of Payments

Four new candidates for the community account must be introduced for voting who are free of any criminal record and have not been involved in wars, riots, violence, or any unlawful police case within the past three years. Minor traffic violations and similar matters related to vehicles are excluded from this provision. Prior to holding elections, the leadership team shall review the monthly dues payment records of the new candidates and confirm that all their payments have been made on time.

Chapter 8 — Internal Regulations and Principles of Conduct

Article 53: Mutual Respect

Disrespect, insults, or any inappropriate behaviour toward members of the community is unacceptable and shall be deemed a violation.

Article 54: Order of Meetings

Causing disruptions during speeches, interrupting others, leaving a meeting prior to its official adjournment, or creating disorder in meetings is contrary to community principles and is unacceptable.

Article 55: Participation in Meetings

The presence of working team members in community meetings is mandatory, and unexcused absences are unacceptable.

Article 56: Responsiveness

All members of the working team are obligated to respond to messages regarding community affairs in the WhatsApp group as soon as possible and within a maximum of three to four hours, and must refrain from sending unnecessary messages and posts. Except for urgent and emergency situations, members of the leadership team and other members of the community shall refrain from sending messages in the WhatsApp groups between the hours of 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM so as not to cause disturbance to the members.

Article 57: Presentation of Documents

In the event that a member of the community raises a claim, they are obligated to present the necessary documents, evidence, and proof to substantiate their claim.

Article 58: Presentation of Opinions and Questions

All questions, proposals, and viewpoints must be raised in an orderly manner and by turn, ensuring equal opportunity for all members.

Article 59: Adherence to Duties and Responsibilities

Unwarranted interference in the assigned affairs, duties, and responsibilities of other members or officers constitutes a violation and is subject to internal community review.

Article 60: Guidance for Members

Any member of the community who faces difficulty in reading, understanding, or comprehending the articles of the Constitution and community regulations may approach the community officers to receive explanations and guidance.